With temperatures dropping across the United States, many people are wondering how they can keep their garages at least semi-warm. Americans tend to use their garages for much more than parking a car inside. Some garages are now offices for those who work at home, some are fitness centers, some are family rooms, and some have been transformed into a mother-in-law space. All of these uses of garage space require that the garage be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Since many garages have little insulation and no source of heat, this can be a problem.

There are a variety of ways to make your garage space cozy and warm during the coldest months. A licensed Chicago area garage-building and repair expert from Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can help you determine the best way to insulate and heat your garage. We have been in the garage door business for more than 45 years; our company was founded in 1979, and we have consistently provided service to more than 50 communities in the western, northern, and southern suburbs, as well as in the Chicago area. We can help you replace your old garage windows, add a steel entry door, update the siding and roofing on your garage, or replace your garage door.

Insulating Your Garage

Your first consideration will be insulation. Before you insulate, go around the interior of your garage with low-expansion spray foam, sealing every gap and crack. Weatherstrip the bottom of the garage door, the windows in the garage, and the door frames to completely seal off drafts. There are five different types of insulation that can be used in garages, each with its own pros and cons. These include:

• Fiberglass insulation is the most commonly used type because it is easy to handle and relatively inexpensive, but it is vulnerable to moisture.
• Cellulose insulation is generally used for holes and cavities, is fire resistant and environmentally friendly, but requires drywall and can be expensive.
• Rigid foam insulation is fairly affordable, reduces noise, and can be good for thin walls and garage doors, but it must be precisely cut to fit.
• Spray foam is airtight, mold and insect-resistant, and energy-efficient, but it is more expensive and must usually be installed by professionals.
• Garage door insulation usually comes in a kit for standard door sizes, adding stability, noise reduction, and durability to your garage door. The added weight of the insulation can wear out older springs, so it is a good idea to speak with a knowledgeable garage door expert.

Choosing a Heater for Your Garage

While electric space heaters are often used in garages because they produce no harmful emissions and are generally considered safe, they can be expensive if you spend a lot of time in your garage. Larger garages could benefit from a forced-air garage heater, which is easy to install and use and has thermostats to adjust the heat level and the direction of the heat.

For those who use their garage space as a fitness area, home office, or crafting area, an infrared garage heater might be the best option because infrared heaters do not kick up dust or keep dust airborne, like other heaters do. If your garage shares a wall with your home, you may be able to extend your central air and heat into the garage, although this definitely requires the services of a professional heating and air company.

When choosing a garage heater, make sure it is sized correctly for your garage area. If you live in a humid area, running a heater could increase condensation levels in your garage, so you may have to use a dehumidifier to avoid mold and rust. If your garage windows are older and let in cold air, you should consider replacing them or installing thermal curtains to further insulate your space and reduce heat loss.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Garage-Repair and Replacement Company

If you are considering adding heat and insulation to your garage, our Downer’s Grove, IL, garage-building and repair experts can help. When you choose Blue Sky Builders, Inc., you are choosing a company with a solid reputation that provides free on-site estimates. Call 630-852-8485 for all your garage door needs.

Working from home began during the pandemic, but for many, working from home continued long after the pandemic ended. While some workers simply carved out a small space in their home for a work area, others looked for creative ways to create a true office space. Unused guest bedrooms, oversized closets, attic or basement areas, and rarely used garages all become fair game for a dedicated office.

If your garage is currently packed with dusty boxes and tools, you may doubt that it could ever be turned into a comfortable office space. All it takes is a little cash, some hard work, and a dash of imagination to convert your garage into the office space of your dreams. Replacing your old garage windows is an important part of the process, as is replacing your entry door with a new steel entry door system.

A Downers’ Grove, IL garage-building and repair expert can help you create a home office that you will use for years to come. At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., we have over 45 years of experience in virtually every facet of garage building, repair, and reimagining of the space. Our superior work ethic has made our company an A+ Rated Member of the Better Business Bureau.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Home Office in Your Garage?

If you routinely work from home, you may be fully aware of the many distractions you face. Having a separate office space allows you to focus on your work without the noise and chaos that many homes have in abundance. When distractions are out of sight, productivity often increases dramatically. A home office also saves you from a hectic daily commute, leaving you much less stressed when your work is done.

Should You Convert the Entire Garage or Just a Portion of It?

Your first decision will be whether to convert your entire garage into a home office or only a part of it. Perhaps you want to retain the option of parking your car in the garage or need additional storage space. Ultimately, your decision will depend on the size of your garage and your needs.

The decision could also be influenced by whether your garage is detached from your home or attached. If you have a two-car attached garage, you may choose to use half of it for your new home office and keep the other half for parking your car and shelving for storage. If this is the case, you will need a divider wall built between the two spaces.

Four Considerations for Your Garage-Converted Office Space

While you may already be choosing a fancy desk and an ergonomic office chair, there are a few basics to consider first – after checking on county building regulations – including:

• Insulation should be one of your first priorities. Most garages are light on insulation because they don’t necessarily need to be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Insulation will help you stay comfortable while also adding soundproofing to your office space.
• Updated flooring will be your next task. A concrete floor may not feel very inviting, but you can consider an epoxy sealer for the concrete or choose warm wood flooring or even carpeting.
• After insulating and updating your flooring, consider the lighting in your new office space. There are hundreds of choices, including compact fluorescent lights installed around the garage’s perimeter, hanging lights, or even added windows for more natural light.
• You can’t have an office without a good Wi-Fi connection. If your garage is too far away from your Wi-Fi router or there are very thick walls between the garage and the router, you may need to invest in a Wi-Fi extender, move your home router, or replace it with one that covers a larger area.

Meet with a DuPage County, IL Garage Repair Company

If you have decided to convert your garage into usable office space, our Downers Grove, IL garage-building and repair experts are here to help. When you choose Blue Sky Builders, Inc., you can schedule a free on-site estimate and consultation to discuss entry door, window, and garage door options. We serve over 50 communities in the Chicago area, as well as the western, northern, and southern suburbs. Call us at 630-852-8485.

If you’re looking to try something new with your garage space, you might be stumped at where to begin. Up until now, you might have been using it just for car storage or a place to store your tools. But just like any other room in your house, a custom garage can be a space to practice your hobbies or have friends over.

That being said, transforming your garage overnight is no easy feat; the Downers Grove, IL garage-building and repair experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can help you realize your aspirations for your garage. We’re ready to assist at any point during your project, starting with these three practical tips for garage renovation.

Tip #1: Know Your Budget

Figuring out a budget early on can help ground your project with a realistic scope. Depending on how much you want to overhaul, you might want to consider the cost of materials, tools, furnishing, or expert assistance. For instance, stripping the walls of a garage to install new insulation can come with varying price tags depending on the method, whether you want to go with fiberglass batts, spray foam, or foam panels. A budget doesn’t have to account for every possibility–at some point, we all run into unexpected expenses–but having an estimate for the cost will help prevent your project from getting stuck in the weeds.

Tip #2: Have a Timeline in Mind

Renovating a garage can take longer than you might think. Consider how much you rely on your garage every day. Do you need it to accommodate all of the cars in your family’s driveway? Do you use it to protect your car from the elements? While a project is ongoing, you might want to think about how long the project might take, and whether you need it done before a certain deadline.

For example, you might plan to have renovations completed before winter, knowing how vicious a cold January in Chicagoland can be. A garage-building expert at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can help you work out a realistic timeline for your project based on the amount of work that needs to be done.

Tip #3: Cover Your Bases

Your town or city likely has specific regulations for garage construction, especially detached garages. These mandates might include zoning requirements, height restrictions, permissible types of foundation, and more. If you violate these, you could be fined and ordered to stop any work. Our garage-building experts can take care of the legal work on your behalf and secure a permit for your project.

Meet with a DuPage County, IL Garage-Building Expert Today

A garage renovation project done right can be an exciting and fulfilling venture. If you’re looking for quality service and consultation for your renovations, a Downers Grove, IL garage-building expert at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can work with you to realize your greatest ambitions. As an established custom builder for over 45 years, you can trust that our experts are up to the task. We offer free on-site estimates to help get your project rolling. To learn more, call us at 630-852-8485 today.

Garages can be wonderfully convenient during a Chicago winter. When your car is parked inside, you do not have to worry about scraping ice off your windshield every day or digging snow out from around your tires. It is easier to start driving when at least the first foot or two are on concrete before you hit snow. Just as you might winterize your car, like by putting snow tires on it, you should also make sure your garage is ready for winter. If getting your garage prepared to withstand a snowstorm is going to be a big job, an experienced Chicago, IL garage renovation company can help.

Weatherproof the Doors

If your garage is attached to your house, you should make sure the interior door is well-insulated. Unless your garage is heated, it can get very cold during the winter. You will want to make sure the cold air is not getting into your house and driving up your heating bills.

You should also make sure that the car doors are weatherproofed. Flood vents can help with rain in the warmer months but will not protect against snow very well. You might want to consider making sure the car doors are fully sealed instead.

Keep the Car Doors From Getting Stuck

Perhaps the one downside of parking in a garage during the winter is that your car might get stuck if the doors freeze shut. You will need a plan for getting your car out if this happens. Installing a heater in your garage can prevent the door from freezing shut. However, it is important to follow space heater safety rules. Lubricating the moving parts frequently can also keep things working in cold temperatures. Waxing or replacing the weatherstripping may keep ice from sticking. During the winter, periodically opening and closing the doors can help to prevent freezing.

Add Insulation

One of the best ways to winterize your garage is to add insulation. Insulation can help keep the ambient temperature inside your garage warmer, allowing for more year-round usage. This is especially helpful if you use your garage as a space for working on projects instead of just as a place to park your car.

Use a Weatherproof Coating

A weatherproof coating can be added to the outside of your garage and to the floor. This helps prevent damage from snow melting and protects the entire structure during major storms.

Contact a Chicago, IL Garage Renovation Expert

Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can help you renovate your garage and get it ready for winter. Our Cook County, IL garage-renovating experts have been in the business for 45 years. Contact us at 630-852-8485 for a free, on-site estimate.

Whether you are building a new garage from scratch or thinking of making some repairs to your current garage so it stays in good shape, preventing water damage should be high on your priority list. The Chicago area has seen a lot of rain this year and quite a few people have experienced flooding on their property. Now that the rainy season is largely over for this year, now would be an excellent time to take steps to prevent water damage for the next one. Our experienced Chicago, IL garage building and repair experts can assess your property and see what measures you should take to prevent water damage in your garage.

Repair Your Garage Door Seals

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to prevent water damage to your garage is to maintain your garage door seals. Making sure your garage doors seal tightly can prevent water from seeping into your garage during the next heavy rainfall. This is especially important if your garage is at the bottom of a sloping driveway.

Control The Humidity

Water damage can also happen when the humidity levels inside a garage get too high. It is important to have some measures in place to allow dry air to flow and moisture to evaporate. Something as simple as installing windows that can be left open a crack without compromising security can go a long way to reducing the likelihood of mold forming. Other solutions include installing a ventilation system or a skylight to allow direct sunlight in.

Install Flood Vents

Flood vents can allow water to pass through your garage without causing more damage to the doors or walls. They can open automatically when flood waters hit them, so water flows through the garage instead of damaging the door and causing a sudden rush of water when it breaks.

Repair Cracks and Leaks Promptly

If you notice cracks in the sides or floors of your garage, you should begin planning to make repairs immediately. The longer you let a crack or leak go, the harder it can be to fix when you get around to it. Cracked walls can have water or black mold build up inside them, which might cause structural damage that could result in a much bigger repair.

Contact a Chicago, IL Garage-Building and Repair Expert

The Cook County, IL garage building and repair experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. can make sure your garage is as resistant to water damage as possible. We will discuss your options and provide you with a free estimate. Call us at 630-852-8485 to get started.